Hamas’s armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, has announced that the 10-month-old Kfir Bibas, his four-year-old brother Ariel, and their mother Shiri, who was kidnapped by Hamas in October, have been killed in previous Israeli air strikes’ on the Gaza Strip.
The family, originally from Kibbutz Nir Oz, was reportedly abducted following a Hamas attack that resulted in the tragic death of up to 1,200 Israelis on October 7.
Hamas Claims Israeli Air Strikes Killed Kidnapped Family
The Israeli military is currently in the process of verifying the claim made by Al-Qassam Brigades.
This announcement comes after the family issued an urgent plea for the immediate release of 10-month-old Kfir, expressing deep concerns about his well-being, access to proper food, and formula.
Before the Hamas claim, Ofri Bibas, Kfir’s aunt, voiced the family’s anguish, stating, “He can’t stay there anymore. He is a 10-month-old baby. We don’t know if he is getting formulas. There isn’t much food. Every day there is a risk for their mental and physical condition. They must be released. They are children. They are not supposed to be hostages.”
Aylon Keshet, a cousin of the family, highlighted the profound uncertainty and distress the family is experiencing, emphasizing, “These are real people with real lives. Please do not let them stay for another day. Do not let Hamas keep using them as bargaining chips. We really don’t know anything. We are in the dark here. This is a nightmare scenario for us.”
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Hamas Claims Responsibility for Kidnapping Israeli Family
The October raid conducted by Hamas resulted in the abduction of 240 Israelis. Since the ceasefire began, 63 Israelis and 20 foreigners have been released by Hamas.
However, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing negotiations and growing concerns about the safety and well-being of hostages held by both parties.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement acknowledging the Hamas claim: “During the Hamas massacre of October 7, the Bibas family, including 10-month-old Kfir Bibas, his 4-year-old brother Ariel Bibas, and their mother Shiri Bibas, were kidnapped alive into Gaza.
The barbarism and cruelty of Hamas is on full display to the world. Hamas is wholly responsible for the security of all hostages in the Gaza Strip. Hamas must be held accountable. Hamas’ actions continue to endanger the hostages, which include nine children. Hamas must immediately release our hostages.”
As the international community grapples with this tragic development, the focus now turns to the ongoing efforts to address the complexities surrounding hostage situations and navigate the delicate negotiations in the hope of bringing an end to the suffering endured by the affected families.
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